The Big One: The Big Chill 2010

What to wear, who to see, what to drink and everything else

Rhian Daly looks ahead to this next weekend's most alluring festival draw, The Big Chill.

What, when and whereTaking over the beautiful surroundings of Eastnor Castle Deer Park,
Herefordshire, from 5-8 August, The Big Chill is a mid-summer treat packed with the cream
of the cream in the music world today, as well as a whole host of other artsy pursuits. The gorgeous location coupled with
the friendly, blissed out atmosphere help The Big Chill live up to its name. If you leave on the Monday morning feeling anything
but totally restored and relaxed, you’ve been doing it wrong. Five to watch

Chrome HoofOriginally starting out as a duo, Chrome Hoof have got so many members these days they’re
impossible to count. Theatrical as well as musical, they often break off into vaudeville interludes just to keep you on your
toes. Oh, this is whilst dressed like monks from outer space and all.

Broken BellsDanger Mouse and him out of The Shins bring their collaborative effort to Herefordshire
and boy, is it going to be beautiful. The album might take some getting into but once you see it live, it all makes sense.

GaggleAnother group well into double figures,
Gaggle are an all female alt-choir
with a penchant for dressing up. The power of their collective voices can be intimidating, especially with Head Gaggle Coughlin’s menacing electro pounding away in
the background.

KelisA true superstar, Kelis is guaranteed to put on an amazing show stuffed with classics
like ‘Caught Out There’ and, of course, the ubiquitous ‘Milkshake’ as well as the amazing futuro-pop
of her new album ‘Fleshtone’. Magnetic ManHands-in-the-air, electrifying and euphoric dance music is what dubstep’s first supergroup (made up of Benga, Skream
and Artwork) specialize in. Perfect for dancing the night away and perfect for having the time of your life to.One to miss

Newton FaulknerThe fact that
the man with the ginger dreadlocks is still going should be enough to make you step away from the tent. If people keep encouraging
him, he’s just going to carry on. Playing a rare UK festival date

MIAShe might have come to prominence on our shores but controversy lover Maya Arulpragasam’s
UK appearances are few and far between these days. The only other British festival she’s playing this year is Underage
so, unless you’re under 18, this is your only chance to see her over the summer without leaving the country. Inside tip

TensnakeHamburg’s best new DJ
has been quietly working up a storm, remixing and creating his own little Italo-disco meets house pieces of heaven. Catch
him now before he’s packing out every tent this side of his hometown.

Be at The Big Chill if you
like... Being the first to see the next big thing, music with a side of experimentalism, eco-friendly festivals.

Avoid if you hate...Middle class office-dwellers cutting loose for the weekend, acoustic guitars,
chill out music.

Festival tacticsBe an early bird. Gates open midday on Thursday, and whilst
the main entertainment doesn’t start until the next day, it’s worth arriving early so as to avoid the stress of
trying to squeeze your tent into one of the remaining gaps. It’ll also give you that extra few hours to soak up the
beautiful surroundings of the park. Fashionista or folky?One look at who’s playing
will tell you the Big Chill is hitting a mid point between the two. As such, you get a range of people (and outfits) who’re
almost as exciting as the varied line up.

Can I still get tickets?Surprisingly,
with this line up, yes! Full weekend tickets are still available and the price range even differs depending on which point
of your life you’ve hit (child, teen, student, adult). Click here to buy The Big Chill tickets.